Merton Council unveiled a new photography exhibition by local resident Vince Harris, a qualified member of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), which highlights the journey of a used milk bottle through Merton’s recycling system.
The exhibition documents the milk bottle’s journey from being placed in a Merton recycling bin to its collection by Veolia, consolidation at Garth Road Transfer Station, and sorting at Rainham Plastic Recovery Facility. The bottle is then turned into pellets at Veolia’s Dagenham Plastics Facility which can be used for creating new milk bottles and other products.
Revisiting a subject he explored 20 years ago—tracking the life of a baked bean tin—Harris, along with a colleague, Catherine Chetwynd, captured the significant advancements in waste management and recycling technologies. In collaboration with another RPS photographer, the project showcases the positive impact of recycling on sustainability in Merton.
The exhibition began on 17 September in Merton’s Civic Centre foyer and ran until 25 October. Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, officially opened the event alongside Vince Harris.
The exhibition will also be part of the RPS’s “Sustainable London” showcase at the Four Corners Gallery in Bethnal Green from 6–9 November 2024.
Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said:
“With a yearly recycling rate of 39.53% for 2023/24—surpassing the London average—Merton Council is dedicated to promoting effective recycling practices. It’s inspiring to see local photographer Vince bring this vital project to life through his captivating imagery. His dedication provides a compelling insight into the positive impact we can achieve when residents actively engage with recycling in their daily lives.”
Scott Edgell, General Manager, South London, said:
“We are proud to deliver high quality
services for Merton residents, allowing them to recycle a wide range of items from home. We
hope to inspire households to recycle even more after seeing how items correctly sorted for
recycling can become new products, helping to create a more circular economy and
sustainable future for everyone.”